Small actions, big impact: addressing loneliness and social isolation in older people
Loneliness and social isolation are serious health risks for older people. Lack of interaction can lead to chronic loneliness and isolation, contributing to depression and anxiety, cognitive decline and physical conditions such as heart disease. Nursing staff can take person-centred actions to help reduce the social isolation and loneliness of older people in their care
As Loneliness Awareness Week approaches, what sort of person-centred actions can nursing staff take to help reduce the social isolation of older people?
As Loneliness Awareness Week, hosted by the Marmalade Trust, approaches on 9-15 June, it is the perfect time to reflect on this year’s theme of meeting loneliness together and the role we can all play in addressing this significant public health challenge for older people.
Loneliness and social isolation are serious health risks. For many older people, changes in their physical and mental health, bereavement, mobility issues and life transitions such as retirement reduce opportunities for meaningful social connection. This lack of interaction can lead to chronic loneliness and isolation, contributing to depression and anxiety, cognitive decline and physical conditions such as heart disease.
With more than 1.4 million older people in the UK reporting that they are often lonely, this issue not only affects individuals, but also places pressure on stretched health and social care services.
Exploring the complex experiences of loneliness and social isolation in older people
My Nursing Older People CPD article Recognising and addressing loneliness and social isolation in older people explores the complex experiences of loneliness and social isolation among older people. It highlights the different factors that increase a person’s vulnerability to loneliness, as well as the importance of registered nurses using opportunities to assess and measure a person’s levels of loneliness and social isolation.
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It also explores practical person-centred interventions aimed at reducing levels of loneliness and social isolation experienced by older people.
‘Identify one older person you support. Take time to understand their needs and work with them to find meaningful social connection and engagement opportunities’
As registered nurses, we are in a unique position to make a real difference to the lives of older people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. You can begin by recognising the signs, initiating sensitive, person-centred conversations and using validated tools to assess levels of loneliness and social isolation.
Start small. Identify one older person you support. Take time to understand their needs and work with them to find meaningful social connection and engagement opportunities. Your proactive input can dramatically improve the quality of life of the people you support.
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